CPG Week by BevNET & Nosh

In this episode: This week, the podcast goes through an M&A deal for Greek yogurt bar brand Clio and all the big news from the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) trade show in Las Vegas last week. Co-hosts Brad Avery and Lukas Southard run through Poppi and protein innovation from PepsiCo, more modern soda news and the 'swicy'candy trend. Show Highlights: 0:30 - Lukas goes through the details of Stride Consumer Partners' acquisition of refrigerated yogurt snack brand Clio. 5:30 - Brad and Lukas didn't attend NACS this year, but the pair discuss how Pepsi is expanding Poppi into functional categories like energy and relaxation. 10:15 - While brands showed off new protein innovation in Vegas, Lukas chatted with PRODA about the celebrity co-founders that recently joined the protein soda brand. 12:15 - Swicy is taking over as a dominant trend in candy. The podcast team discusses their opinions on sweet-spicy treats. About CPG Week CPG Week is the podcast that explores the latest happenings in the consumer packaged goods industry. Join our seasoned reporting team as they dish out the week's stories in quick, easy-to-digest episodes. Catch up on the top headlines of the week, dive into exclusive insights with the BevNET and Nosh teams, and set yourself up to make more informed business decisions. Tune in to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the dynamic world of packaged food and beverage. New episodes are released every week. Send us comments and suggestions anytime to [email protected]. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

On this episode of the CPG Week Podcast, co-hosts Brad Avery and Lukas Southard cover how Recess is adding more industry know-how to its leadership ranks, the impact of elevated pricing in grocery and convenience retail and rumors about a popular oil brand seeking a buyer. Show Highlights: 0:30 - Are a popular Bar and Bat Mitzvah sweet treat going to disappear from shelves? Brad explains why the news that Sunkist was discontinuing its Fruit Gems line caused panic among the American Jewish community. 2:30 - Recess has hired veteran industry leaders as it aims to be a category leader in the relaxation beverage category. 6:00 - Inflation has remained stubbornly high, but what does that mean for retailers? After going through recent macro grocery pricing data, Lukas and Brad discuss the impact on retail strategy. 8:30 - From grocery to convenience, Brad covers a recent Jefferies analysis of c-store sales data across beverage categories. 11:30 - Is squeeze-bottled olive oil brand Graza looking to sell? In the shadow of the Purely Elizabeth and Goodles acquisitions, the podcast hosts discuss how Graza's potential sale could be another example of a next-gen food brand making a high-value exit. About CPG Week CPG Week is the podcast that explores the latest happenings in the consumer packaged goods industry. Join our seasoned reporting team as they dish out the week's stories in quick, easy-to-digest episodes. Catch up on the top headlines of the week, dive into exclusive insights with the BevNET and Nosh teams, and set yourself up to make more informed business decisions. Tune in to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the dynamic world of packaged food and beverage. New episodes are released every week. Send us comments and suggestions anytime to [email protected]. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

In this episode: This week, BevNET CPG Media senior reporters Brad Avery and Lukas Southard get jacked talking about protein, exploring Beyond's expansion into new protein formats and the whey supply shortage. Later in the show, the hosts discuss Battle Bars' rebrand, energy brand Echelon's new strategy and a legal dispute between Big Food and Big Sugar. Show Highlights: 1:00 - Brad explains how Beyond is expanding its repositioned identity as an alt protein brand into new categories like bars and powders. 5:00 - As demand for more protein continues across food and beverage categories, the supply of whey has taken a hit. Lukas and Brad discuss how this has impacted commodity costs, forcing some brands to implement price hikes. 8:45 - Brad gives an update on veteran-founded brand Battle Bars. He compares the snack bar brand's strategy to a different military-aligned beverage Echelon. 10:30 - There is a fresh lawsuit between large food companies alleging that big sugar providers have colluded to artificially raise the cost of the sweet ingredient. 12:00 - Amid the launch of fall flavors, Brad and Lukas relate their opinions (and hot takes) about pumpkin spice and apple as limited time offerings. About CPG Week CPG Week is the podcast that explores the latest happenings in the consumer packaged goods industry. Join our seasoned reporting team as they dish out the week's stories in quick, easy-to-digest episodes. Catch up on the top headlines of the week, dive into exclusive insights with the BevNET and Nosh teams, and set yourself up to make more informed business decisions. Tune in to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the dynamic world of packaged food and beverage. New episodes are released every week. Send us comments and suggestions anytime to [email protected]. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

In this episode: This week, senior reporters Brad Avery and Lukas Southard break down a series of lawsuits targeting the use of allulose in energy drinks and protein bars as well as an update on a crustless sandwich trademark case. The hosts also discuss a simmering dispute between Red Bull and Kroger, and break down a new report on the state of private label. Show Highlights: 1:00 - Brad explains why Liquid Death and David Protein are fighting legal complaints against on-pack zero-sugar. 4:00 - Smucker's case against Trader Joe's Crustless PB&J Sandwich product will move forward after a district judge denied a motion to dismiss the case. Lukas and Brad discuss the history of J.M. Smucker Co.'s litigious protection of its Uncrustables product. 7:30 - Why is Red Bull disappearing from Kroger banner store shelves? Brad untangles the mystery pitting one of the largest energy drink brands against this major grocery company. 10:00 - Lukas dives into a recent private-label data report from SPINS, explaining how and why store brands are bringing more than just value-minded shoppers to the set. About CPG Week CPG Week is the podcast that explores the latest happenings in the consumer packaged goods industry. Join our seasoned reporting team as they dish out the week's stories in quick, easy-to-digest episodes. Catch up on the top headlines of the week, dive into exclusive insights with the BevNET and Nosh teams, and set yourself up to make more informed business decisions. Tune in to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the dynamic world of packaged food and beverage. New episodes are released every week. Send us comments and suggestions anytime to [email protected]. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

In this episode: This week on the podcast, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Lukas Southard break down the federal government's first proposed definition of ultraprocessed foods and a rocky quarter for Celsius. The hosts also dig into Khloé Kardashian's latest Khloud innovation and Keurig Dr Pepper's lime-forward reformulation of 7UP. Show Highlights: 0:20 - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services kicked off the week unveiling its proposal for significant changes to the federal food regulatory framework that would establish, for the first time, a proposed government definition of ultraprocessed foods. 2:00 - All is not well at Celsius these days. The energy drink maker – which now houses the Alani Nu and Rockstar brands – reported second-quarter earnings that fell below investor expectations. 5:50 - Khloé Kardashian's snack startup debuted Khloud Plus, a new platform that combines protein with additional functional ingredients, beginning with collagen. 8:55 - Dr Pepper Keurig announced a reformulation of its 7UP soda that puts lime in the limelight. About CPG Week CPG Week is the podcast that explores the latest happenings in the consumer packaged goods industry. Join our seasoned reporting team as they dish out the week's stories in quick, easy-to-digest episodes. Catch up on the top headlines of the week, dive into exclusive insights with the BevNET and Nosh teams, and set yourself up to make more informed business decisions. Tune in to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the dynamic world of packaged food and beverage. New episodes are released every week. Send us comments and suggestions anytime to [email protected]. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

In this episode: This week on the podcast, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Lukas Southard discuss the collapse of one of the nation's largest beverage distributors, a closely watched false advertising dispute in the frozen novelty aisle, ongoing scrutiny surrounding regenerative dairy leader Alexandre Family Farm, Vita Coco's latest acquisition, and the launch of Nosh Impact 50, the inaugural list recognizing the people shaping the future of the packaged food industry. Show Highlights: 0:20 - Republic National Distributing Company has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after nearly selling off all its territories. 1:55 - The legal battle between frozen novelty rivals GoodPop and JonnyPops is heating up, with both companies asking a federal judge to resolve key portions of the case ahead of trial while arguing the other's false advertising claims lack the evidence needed to reach a jury. 3:55 - Alexandre Family Farm, one of the country's largest regenerative dairy brands, has dropped both its Regenerative Organic Certified and Certified Humane certifications while facing continued scrutiny over its animal welfare practices. 5:20 - Seeking to strengthen its leadership position in the global coconut beverage market, Vita Coco announced its acquisition of Copra Coconuts, a Thailand-based producer of super premium organic coconut water. 8:05 - The inaugural Nosh Impact 50 is live, highlighting the executives, entrepreneurs, investors, retailers, policymakers and ecosystem builders who are transforming the packaged food industry. About CPG Week CPG Week is the podcast that explores the latest happenings in the consumer packaged goods industry. Join our seasoned reporting team as they dish out the week's stories in quick, easy-to-digest episodes. Catch up on the top headlines of the week, dive into exclusive insights with the BevNET and Nosh teams, and set yourself up to make more informed business decisions. Tune in to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the dynamic world of packaged food and beverage. New episodes are released every week. Send us comments and suggestions anytime to [email protected]. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

In this episode: This week on the podcast, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Brad Avery examine four stories shaping the packaged food industry: the seed funding round fueling a drink mix startup's retail expansion, The EVERY Company's latest step toward commercializing precision-fermented egg white proteins, Welch's bid to disrupt the frozen sandwich category, and the FDA's push for greater transparency around caffeine content. Show Highlights: 0:20 - Organic drink mix maker FAVE has raised a $1 million seed round led by Supernatural Ventures to support its retail debut and expansion plans. Monica shares details of the funding and go-to-market strategy. 3:20 - The EVERY Company has partnered with ADM for commercial-scale production of its signature precision-fermented egg white protein product. Brad explains what the partnership signals for the broader food industry. 6:30 Welch's entered the frozen sandwich aisle with its own take on Smucker's Uncrustables. Monica shines a light on the growing PB&J set – and how this offering stands apart from the competition. 11:40 - The Food and Drug Administration wants caffeine content to be loud and clear on food and beverage labeling. Brad breaks down why it's becoming a bigger priority for the agency. About CPG Week CPG Week is the podcast that explores the latest happenings in the consumer packaged goods industry. Join our seasoned reporting team as they dish out the week's stories in quick, easy-to-digest episodes. Catch up on the top headlines of the week, dive into exclusive insights with the BevNET and Nosh teams, and set yourself up to make more informed business decisions. Tune in to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the dynamic world of packaged food and beverage. New episodes are released every week. Send us comments and suggestions anytime to [email protected]. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

In this episode: This week on the podcast, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Brad Avery discuss the acquisition of organic candy maker YumEarth, a trademark case brewing between ready-to-drink coffee brand Rise and PepsiCo, fresh funding for protein ice cream startup Frozen One and a licensing deal that brings Four Loko into the intoxicating hemp beverage set. The hosts also chat about trends and new products at the recent Summer Fancy Food Show. Show Highlights: 0:20 - Private equity firm ACON Investments has acquired a controlling stake in organic candy maker YumEarth, with global confectionery manufacturer The Fini Company coming on as a strategic partner. Monica details the deal. 2:10 - The trademark case of nitro cold brew brand Rise Brewing vs. PepsiCo is going to the Supreme Court of the United States after the court opted to hear a petition filed by Rise to overturn a lower court decision dismissing its case against Pepsi. Brad recaps the ongoing battle. 3:55 - High-protein ice cream purveyor Frozen One raised a $5.75 million seed round led by Brand Foundry Ventures, with participation from existing investor Supernatural Ventures as well as Abe Burns and Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Ryan Tedder. Monica outlines what's next for the brand. 6:00 - Four Loko-maker Phusion Projects has licensed some of its brand assets to Chuck It LLC for use on intoxicating hemp beverages. Brad shares what is known so far about Nine Loko. 9:10 - The Summer Fancy Food featured a wide array of specialty food and beverage innovation, from a new twist on beer to spicy barbecue sauces. Brad reviews his observations from the event. About CPG Week CPG Week is the podcast that explores the latest happenings in the consumer packaged goods industry. Join our seasoned reporting team as they dish out the week's stories in quick, easy-to-digest episodes. Catch up on the top headlines of the week, dive into exclusive insights with the BevNET and Nosh teams, and set yourself up to make more informed business decisions. Tune in to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the dynamic world of packaged food and beverage. New episodes are released every week. Send us comments and suggestions anytime to [email protected]. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

In this episode: This week on the podcast, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Lukas Southard discuss how Nestlé USA nixed synthetic dyes across its food and beverage portfolio and why hydration brand LMNT is suing Oasis, a product ratings app. The hosts also break down new funding for collagen protein bar brand Stars + Honey and aguas frescas maker Bawi. Show Highlights: 0:20 - Nestlé USA has completed the removal of artificial colors from its U.S. food and beverage portfolio. Monica outlines the changes. 3:20 - LMNT is suing product ratings app Oasis over claims its electrolyte powders contain "over seven times the legal amount of lead." Lukas unpacks the case. 6:25 - VMG Partners has taken a minority stake in collagen protein bar brand Stars + Honey. Monica shares details of the $24 million growth equity investment. 7:40 - Bawi, a better-for-you agua fresca brand, has closed a $6 million seed round. Lukas highlights the beverage maker's plans for the cash. About CPG Week CPG Week is the podcast that explores the latest happenings in the consumer packaged goods industry. Join our seasoned reporting team as they dish out the week's stories in quick, easy-to-digest episodes. Catch up on the top headlines of the week, dive into exclusive insights with the BevNET and Nosh teams, and set yourself up to make more informed business decisions. Tune in to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the dynamic world of packaged food and beverage. New episodes are released every week. Send us comments and suggestions anytime to [email protected]. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

In this episode: This week on the podcast, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Lukas Southard discuss Trek One Capital's acquisitions of Good Karma Foods and No Cow. The podcasters also highlight the latest funding announcements, including a new investment for a celebrity-backed supplement brand. Show Highlights: 0:20 - Trek One Capital has acquired Good Karma Foods and No Cow. Monica explains more. 1:45 - Iced tea brand Ryl Tea raised $20 million in a Series C round, bringing its total funding to date to more than $42 million. Lukas shares details. 3:20 - Smash Foods has raised $5 million in equity investment, according to a Form D filed with the U.S. Securities Exchange and Commission. Monica outlines the brand's growth plans. 5:40 - VitaHustle, a supplement brand founded by comedian Kevin Hart, received an investment from Axum Capital Partners. Lukas discusses plans for the new funding. About CPG Week CPG Week is the podcast that explores the latest happenings in the consumer packaged goods industry. Join our seasoned reporting team as they dish out the week's stories in quick, easy-to-digest episodes. Catch up on the top headlines of the week, dive into exclusive insights with the BevNET and Nosh teams, and set yourself up to make more informed business decisions. Tune in to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the dynamic world of packaged food and beverage. New episodes are released every week. Send us comments and suggestions anytime to [email protected]. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

In this episode: This week on the podcast, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Brad Avery discuss Brami's new funding, Olipop's refreshed brand identity, Kettle & Fire's leadership transition, and Danone's plans to sell its stake in Lifeway Foods. Show Highlights: 0:20 - Brami has raised $33 million in a funding round led by VMG Partners to support continued growth of its lupini bean products. Monica explains more. 3:05 - Olipop is unveiling its first major brand refresh since its launch in 2018, debuting an updated label design as part of a new marketing and creative initiative positioning it as "The feel good soda." Brad breaks it all down. 7:30 - Kettle & Fire announced a leadership transition as part of a broader push to scale the bone broth brand into a significantly larger wellness platform. Monica details the company's next phase. 11:50 - After its attempts to buy the company outright were rebuffed, Danone is preparing to exit Lifeway Foods, selling its stake in the U.S. kefir market leader. Brad outlines the sordid history between the two companies. About CPG Week CPG Week is the podcast that explores the latest happenings in the consumer packaged goods industry. Join our seasoned reporting team as they dish out the week's stories in quick, easy-to-digest episodes. Catch up on the top headlines of the week, dive into exclusive insights with the BevNET and Nosh teams, and set yourself up to make more informed business decisions. Tune in to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the dynamic world of packaged food and beverage. New episodes are released every week. Send us comments and suggestions anytime to [email protected]. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

In this episode: This week on the podcast, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Brad Avery discuss the stateside debut of Gymkhana Fine Foods, a premium Indian sauce brand with fine-dining roots and fresh capital. The duo also details the launch of a functional beverage highlighting colostrum as a key benefit. Additionally, Monica outlines the acquisition of mocktail maker St. Agrestis by The Wine Group, and Brad talks about productivity drink startup Neutonic's latest funding round. Show Highlights: 0:20 - Gymkhana Fine Foods is aiming to reframe Indian cuisine in the U.S. from takeout staple to premium everyday indulgence, backed by a $8.5 million Series A investment round. Monica details the brand's stateside launch. 3:30 - As the beauty and wellness worlds continue to converge, ARMRA is entering the ready-to-drink category with a shelf-stable colostrum soda designed to translate the brand's functional benefits into a mainstream beverage format. Brad breaks it all down. 5:25 - Brooklyn-based non-alcoholic beverage maker St. Agrestis, best known for its Phony Negroni line of bottled mocktails, has been acquired by The Wine Group for an undisclosed sum. Monica outlines the deal. 6:50 - Productivity drink startup Neutonic has secured $6 million in new funding as it seeks to accelerate its US retail presence with a move into national grocery stores slated for this summer. Brad explains more. About CPG Week CPG Week is the podcast that explores the latest happenings in the consumer packaged goods industry. Join our seasoned reporting team as they dish out the week's stories in quick, easy-to-digest episodes. Catch up on the top headlines of the week, dive into exclusive insights with the BevNET and Nosh teams, and set yourself up to make more informed business decisions. Tune in to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the dynamic world of packaged food and beverage. New episodes are released every week. Send us comments and suggestions anytime to [email protected]. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts